Nelson’s Lakeside Park beach closed due to oil spill

The beach at Lakeside Park has reopened following an oil spill at the boat launch a week ago Wednesday.

Nelson Fire and Rescue says it was called shortly after 9 a.m. and discovered a 200 by 300 meter oil sheen on the water.

Containment booms were deployed with the help from the city’s public works department. Firefighters also flushed the beach area with pressurized water at the recommendation of the Ministry of Environment.

The fire department says the spill appears to have been due to mechanical failure on a boat that was being launched. The boat was gone when emergency crews arrived.

The beach was closed the rest of the day to allow for additional remediation, but it reopened the following day. The city said the total amount spilled was about one litre, but “it only takes a small amount of oil to contaminate a very large volume of water.

“Boaters are urged to make sure their vessels are clean and properly maintained prior to launching to ensure our lake remains clean and safe for all to enjoy.”

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Firefighters responded to an oil sheen seen at the Lakeside Park beach on Aug. 22.
Photos submitted

Firefighters responded to an oil sheen seen at the Lakeside Park beach on Aug. 22.
Photos submitted